Kentucky Derby Mint Julep (Print Version)

A refreshing julep with fresh mint, lemon juice, and sparkling water for a cool, light beverage.

# What You'll Need:

→ Mint Syrup

01 - 1/4 cup water
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

→ Mocktail

04 - 1 cup crushed ice
05 - 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
06 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 - 2 tablespoons mint syrup
08 - Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add mint leaves, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool completely.
02 - Fill two julep cups or glasses with crushed ice.
03 - Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of mint syrup over the ice in each glass.
04 - Top each glass with 1/2 cup of sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine.
05 - Garnish generously with fresh mint sprigs. Serve immediately with a straw.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The homemade mint syrup tastes infinitely better than anything bottled, and you'll find yourself making extra to keep in the fridge.
  • It's the kind of drink that impresses guests while requiring zero special equipment or bartending skills.
  • Hot days suddenly feel manageable when this is waiting in your glass.
02 -
  • Mint syrup tastes too strong when you first make it because the flavor hasn't mellowed yet—always let it cool and taste before judging, because it smooths out beautifully.
  • The moment you add the sparkling water is the moment you need to serve the drink, because the ice starts melting and the fizz begins escaping, so don't make these ahead thinking they'll wait for you.
03 -
  • If your mint ever tastes slightly off or bitter, it's usually because you overstepped it or used heat too high—always remove the syrup before the water even reaches a full boil, and watch the time carefully.
  • The coldest drink happens when you chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before filling them, which sounds like overkill but genuinely extends that perfect moment before dilution sets in.
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